Sebastian Junger – May 22, 2016

Didn’t becoming good writer by studying it in college. Became good by reading books written in styles he naturally liked.

First book at 35 . kept doing tree work for money.

In story writing, structure is all. Think of a shape, of a structure, not necessarily linear.

Starts with a diagram, or circuit board for structure.

Read an enormous amount, and think about why you did or didn’t like it.

Growing up, he didn’t consider himself a man until facing a life threatening challenge. At 30 went to Bosnia to report and face his mortality. To become a man.

95% of bystander rescues are performed by men. A truly equal society requires so recognizing the inherent differences between men and women. Women fill in the gap after the impulsive decision to save someonr

Humans need crisis to flourish. Crisis is the gr at equalizer.

Solitary life in modern society causes mass psychological issues. People alone in apartments. Kids alone in bedrooms.

Trauma is related to your level of control you feel, not danger.

The unknown causes more stress than danger.

There is no conflict between opposing war and supporting troops.

Israel has a ptsd level of 1% (?) because of common national cause.

For non-fiction – write the book that the world needs. Not the one you want.